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Cricket News: 5 classic Mitch Marsh quotes after winning the 2023 Allan Border Medal | Mitchell Marsh delivers memorable speech after winning the AB Medal
Mitch Marsh has completed his redemption story, winning the Allan Border Medal for the first time. It caps off an excellent return to the Australia team for Marsh, who marked his comeback with a memorable hundred at Headingley in the 2023 Ashes after which he never looked back.
Since the start of 2023, the all-rounder has scored 630 Test runs at an average of 52.5 and strike rate of 69.2. He also enjoyed success in the ODI format, smashing 858 runs in the same period at an average of 47.7 and strike rate of 113.9, along with 183 T20I runs at a strike rate of 183.
Off the field, Marsh is the kind of person you’d love to have a beer with. This was on display in his memorable acceptance speech, combining emotion with laughter to confirm what a likeable character he is. His speech was filled with memorable one-liners that had the audience both in stitches and tears. Here are five:
2023 Allan Border Medal: 5 classic Mitch Marsh quotes his acceptance speech
1. “I’m now hoping that me winning this [the Allan Border Medal] is not like COVID where we look back in three years’ time and go ‘that was a weird time’”
Marsh’s sense of humour summed up in one line. He was humbled to now be alongside some of the great names in Australian cricket to have won this award, and in true Marsh fashion, he put a funny spin on it.
2. “Cameron Green is an imposing figure. I thought I was done and dusted. I often spoke to my wife that I wanted to get one more crack at it, and it’s been amazing”
Marsh’s first show of emotion. The all-rounder fought back tears as he recalled the conversations he has had with his wife Greta about his desire to fight his way back into the Australian team. He credited his wife for giving him new-found perspective on life which has improved his cricket.
“Grets an amazing human,” Marsh said. “I said at my wedding vows eight months ago that she had given me the perspective on life that I needed. Our life is just a lot of fun. Every day I come home from cricket, whether I get a duck or a hundred, she’s always the same. She’s amazing.”
Earlier, when asked by The Grade Cricketer’s Sam Perry on what has been behind Marsh’s consistency, the all-rounder replied, “probably this lovely lady next to me. She’s pulled my head in a little bit.”
3. “Anyone who has sprayed me on social media, she’ll [Marsh’s sister Melissa] will get you at some stage”
When speaking about the influence of his family, Marsh spoke about the support of his sister. So much so that she would defend him against any bad or critical words spoken of him on social media.
4. “I can’t thank you [McDonald and Cummins] enough for believing in me. I’m a bit fat at times, and I love a beer, but you see the best in me always and you’ve changed my life”
Marsh’s second show of emotion. He thanked coach Andrew McDonald and captain Pat Cummins for the support and belief they have showed towards him. “For your support Pat, and your leadership, playing under you is an absolute dream. Thank you very much.”
Pat Cummins’ reaction was one of a proud dad. A wholesome moment.
5. “Dad will be sitting having six stubbies at the pub telling me to stop crying and get off the stage”
At the end of his speech, Marsh thanked his family for the support with the usual humour. It brings back memories of how Shaun and Geoff celebrated Mitchell’s hundred at Headingley.
Here is the full speech:
